Sports industry expert praises British racing's TV deal 'coup'

19th March 2012

Professor Simon Chadwick is one of the UK's most eminent sports industry experts

Commenting on British racing's newly announced exclusive domestic terrestrial TV deal with Channel 4, one of the UK's leading sports industry experts, Professor Simon Chadwick, Director of the Centre for the International Business of Sport (CIBS), said:

"This is a significant coup both for horse racing and for Channel 4. Continued coverage of the sport on terrestrial television will ensure that horse racing is prominent in the minds of fans and viewers alike, something that is especially important in an increasingly crowded market for sport.

"Moreover, the length of the deal will provide a strong platform for horse racing to move forward to build profile and presence with the broad, but also young audience that Channel 4 attracts.

"In addition, it provides a basis for building viewership, advertising revenues and sport broadcasting competence.

"For Channel 4, this deal asserts the broadcaster's emerging reputation as one of the most important broadcasters of sport in the United Kingdom. Strategically and commercially this is a very important deal, enabling Channel 4 to enforce its position in the market for sport broadcasting rights."